Consider what’s at stake today in running a normal shop. Management must be on top of their game because the on-going investment to maintain a level of professionalism is higher than ever before.

Today’s technicians now require 100 hours of training per year to maintain the base of knowledge to work on all makes and models of vehicles. Management must take “inventory” of the staff to determine what courses are necessary for each person, then those courses have to be sought out and the technician booked into class. In many cases, travel will most likely be involved meaning additional expenses will be incurred. Have you got your technical course calendar planned for this year?

Management now requires a minimum of 6 to 8 days of business courses per year to stay even with shop management issues and the depth of understanding required to drive a bottom line and a minimum 35% return on investment for the business. Again travel will most likely be required, so proper planning is definitely required.

One question that frequently arises is “What if I train my staff and they leave?” The answer is simply, “What if you don’t and they stay?” To solve this issue, the introduction of training bonds into our industry has taken place which in essence protects the business from this issue as well as determines how serious the employee is about their career within the AUTOCARE industry. An employee who does not embrace training as an on-going responsibility is the wrong person on your bus.

Review your business plan and calendar to determine exactly what is required for your shop this year and moving into 2015. Procrastination on this topic is not an option.

Bob Greenwood

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